The acceptability of personal learning plans in vocational training.

Personal learning plans have been advocated as a means of introducing the principles of adult learning into general practice vocational training. The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes amongst general practice trainers and registrars to the introduction and use of personal learning plans. A questionnaire was sent to general practice trainers and registrars in one vocational training scheme prior to the introduction of personal learning plans. Overall, doctors in the training scheme were positive to the idea of personal learning plans. Trainers were significantly more positive towards introducing learning plans than their registrars. Registrars in their final general practice posts were significantly more positive towards the idea of learning plans than their hospital counterparts. Doctors who had completed membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners, usually trainers or final year registrars, were also more positive in their attitude. This pilot study suggests that most trainers and registrars were positive in their attitude towards personal learning plans prior to their introduction in the Lincoln vocational training scheme. The study cautiously suggests a wider use and evaluation of personal learning plans in vocational training.